“It’s Jazz. It just doesn’t sound like it.” This is how virtuoso guitarist Oz Noy describes his unique blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and R&B. Noy's innovative approach to guitar music defies traditional boundaries and creates a distinctive sound that captivates audiences worldwide.
Born in Israel, Oz began his professional career at just 13 years old, playing jazz, blues, pop, and rock. By age 16, he was performing with top Israeli musicians and, by 24, he was one of the most sought-after studio guitarists in the country. His talents also earned him a spot in the house band of Israel’s top-rated TV show for over two years.
In 1996, Oz moved to New York City, where his career flourished. He quickly made a significant impact on both the local and international music scenes. His debut album, “Oz Live,” was released in 2003, recorded at the iconic Bitter End in NYC. Following this, his studio album “HA!” released in 2005, featured an all-star band including Keith Carlock, Anton Fig, Will Lee, and James Genus, with special guests Mike Stern and George Whitty.
Oz continued to build his discography with albums like “Fuzzy” (2007) and “Schizophrenic” (2009), each featuring renowned musicians like Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson, and Steve Lukather. His exploration of blues culminated in the “Twisted Blues” series, with volumes one and two released in 2011 and 2014, respectively. These albums featured collaborations with legends such as Chick Corea, Allen Toussaint, and Eric Johnson.
In 2015, Oz released “Asian Twistz,” a live album recorded during a tour in Asia. His 2016 album “Who Gives A Funk” featured guests like Joe Bonamassa and Dweezil Zappa. In 2017, he debuted “Ozone Squeeze,” a new band project, and in 2019, he released his ninth solo album, “Booga Looga Loo,” featuring an array of talented musicians including Steve Ferrone and John Patitucci.
Oz Noy's achievements have earned him multiple accolades, including Guitar Player magazine's “Best guitar riff on a record” (2007), “Best new talent” (2008), and “Best out there guitar player” (2013). His success has also led to a demand for his expertise as an instructor, with instructional videos and master classes that share his innovative techniques with aspiring guitarists.